Mark Barron Praised as Top Defensive Rookie and More NFC South News

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com sent out a note via Twitter Tuesday praising Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Mark Barron. Jeremiah said Barron has been the most impressive rookie defender to date.

Barron's made 27 tackles, forced one fumble and broken up five passes, quickly showing why Tampa Bay used its first-round draft pick, and seventh-overall, to bring Barron from Alabama to Tampa Bay.

But there is a dark side to the statistics from Barron this year.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), only two safeties in the league have given up more yardage while in coverage than Barron, who has allowed 11 receptions and 171 yards through four games.

For all Barron's big hits and aggressive tackles, he also gets beat in coverage at times. He's just a rookie, and he entered the league with basic cover skills (at best) and a weakness for one-on-one coverage.

At strong safety, Barron isn't supposed to be the best cover guy in the defensive backfield. But some improvements—remember, he's just a rookie four games into his professional career—should be happening soon.